Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken

Everything You Need To Know Before Purchasing This Tasty Frozen Snack

For a quick and easy protein packed snack, Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken is a great option. These bite-sized breaded chicken pieces are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I’ve been buying Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken from my local grocery store for years and wanted to share my ultimate buying guide and review.

What are the ingredients in Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken?

The main ingredients are chicken breast chunks, water, wheat flour, yellow corn flour, salt, spices, onion powder, garlic powder, dried yeast, paprika. It contains wheat as the main binding ingredient so this is not a gluten-free product. The chicken used is real white meat chicken breast so you are getting a good lean source of protein.

Where can I buy Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken?

Wellsley Farms is Aldi’s in-house brand name. So you can find Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken frozen at any Aldi grocery store location. Aldi has expanded a lot over the recent years and now has stores nationwide. You can check on their website to find a location near you if you haven’t shopped there before.

The Popcorn Chicken is available in the frozen meat section. It comes in a 28 oz plastic bag. Sometimes it can be found in the special buy middle aisles but the frozen section is the safest bet.

You won’t find this brand at any other grocery retailers besides Aldi. Make sure to grab it on your next Aldi run because it sells out quick!

Is Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken fully cooked?

Yes, Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken is fully cooked. No need to worry about raw chicken! It can be heated from frozen and is ready to eat in minutes. The prep couldn’t be easier.

How do I prepare Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken in an air fryer?

One of the quickest ways to cook Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken is in an air fryer. Here are the simple steps:

1. Pre-heat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Remove desired amount of chicken pieces from freezer bag. No need to thaw.
3. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
4. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flip chicken pieces, then cook another 3-5 minutes until crispy and heated through.
5. Toss in your favorite sauce or dip and enjoy!

The air fryer gives you that crispy, crunchy texture without needing to deep fry. It’s so fast and easy with minimal clean up required.

What is the cooking time for Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken in the oven?

To cook Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken in the oven, follow these steps:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Arrange frozen chicken pieces in a single layer on baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd.
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes. For crispier texture, flip chicken halfway through.
4. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Allow to cool slightly before serving. The carryover cooking will continue crisping up the outside.

Is Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken gluten-free?

No, Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken contains wheat flour so it is not gluten-free or suitable for people with celiac disease or a wheat allergy. There are some gluten free alternative brands available, but Wellsley Farms does contain gluten.

What are the nutritional facts for Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken?

Here are the nutrition facts for a 113g serving (about 8 pieces) of Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken:

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 16g

For the calorie and protein content, it makes a filling and satisfying snack or meal. It is slightly high in sodium so limit intake for those limiting salt. The trans fat content is good compared to some other frozen popcorn chicken brands.

How many calories are in a serving of Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken?

Each 113g serving of Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken contains 220 calories. So it is a decently high calorie snack or meal option. The calories come mostly from fat and protein with a moderate amount of carbs as well.

You can adjust the serving size to meet your calorie needs. Consuming about 8-10 pieces makes for a good single portion.

Are Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken pieces made with real chicken?

Yes, Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken starts with real chicken breast meat. The ingredients list chicken breast as first ingredient. There are no filler or artificial ingredients used.

You are getting an actual piece of white meat chicken that is chopped or formed and breaded. Some cheaper popcorn chicken brands use processed reconstituted meat. Not the case with Wellsley Farms.

Does Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken contain any preservatives?

Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken does not contain any artificial preservatives. No MSG, nitrites, sulfites, etc.

The chicken pieces and batter are freshly prepared then individually quick frozen. This locks in flavor and quality without needing additives.

It only contains natural preservatives from the salt content and from the cooking process. When stored frozen, it maintains quality and safety.

What dipping sauces pair well with Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken?

Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken is fantastic on its own but dipping sauces take it to the next level. Here are some of my favorite sauces to pair:

• Barbecue sauce – klassic sweet and tangy flavor
• Ranch dressing – cool creamy dipping
• Honey mustard – sweet tangy mustard
• Buffalo hot sauce – spicy and delicious
• Sweet chili sauce – sticky glaze with a kick
• Blue cheese dressing – for the bold buffalo chicken fans

Get creative and make your own mixture of sauces for dipping!

Is Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken available at BJ’s Wholesale Club?

No, you can only purchase Wellsley Farms brand items exclusively at Aldi grocery stores. Wellsley Farms is Aldi’s signature in-house brand. It will not be found at other retailers like BJ’s Wholesale Club.

However, BJ’s does carry their own brand of frozen popcorn chicken if you are looking for bulk size.

How does Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken compare to Tyson’s popcorn chicken?

Here is how Wellsley Farms stacks up against the popular Tyson Popcorn Chicken:

• Taste – Very comparable, both have a mild chicken flavor. Wellsley Farms coating seems more seasoned.
• Texture – Similar light and crunchy batter. Wellsley Farms holds up well after reheating.
• Price – Wellsley Farms is the winner here, almost half the price per pound vs Tyson.
• Ingredients – Both made with real chicken breast. Tyson contains a few more fillers and preservatives.
• Availability – Tyson is sold everywhere while Wellsley Farms is only at Aldi.

For the price, Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken is very close to Tyson in terms of quality and taste. I would buy Wellsley again, especially to save some money!

Can I microwave Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken?

Yes, you can microwave Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken for a quick and easy meal. Follow these microwave instructions:

1. Place desired number of frozen chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes.
3. Carefully flip chicken pieces. Microwave another 1-2 minutes until hot and crispy.
4. Allow to sit 1 minute before serving. Caution – it will be very hot!

The microwave can make the batter a bit soggy compared to the oven or air fryer. But it still tastes delicious and takes only 5 minutes start to finish!

Is Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken good for kids?

Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken is definitely kid approved! Here’s why kids love it:

• It’s fun to eat – The poppable bite sized pieces are perfect for little hands and mouths.
• Crunchy texture – Kids love foods that are crispy and crunchy. The light crispy coating is a sensory experience.
• It’s mildly flavored – The chicken has a mild flavor that is not spicy or overpowering. Kids prefer simpler flavors.
• Quick cooking – You can have a hot meal in just a few minutes. No hangry tantrums!
• Filling protein – It’s packed with protein to help growing kids feel satisfied.

Keep a bag in the freezer for quick healthy snacks and meals for the children. It’s sure to be a hit!

How much does a package of Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken cost?

A 28 oz bag of Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken retails for around $4.99 at Aldi. This works out to only $0.18 per ounce which is a great value compared to similar products.

The per-pound price usually ranges from $3.99 to $4.99 depending on location. Special sales sometimes knock it down to $2.99 per bag which is a steal!

Compared to national brands like Tyson which cost nearly $8.00 per pound, Wellsley Farms saves you 40-50% off. It’s budget friendly and won’t break the bank.

What are the reviews for Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken?

The reviews for Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken are overall very positive. Happy customers praise the crunchy coating and moist chicken flavor. Many reviewers say it tastes just as good as more expensive national brands.

Negative reviews are mostly related to getting icy pieces or inconsistently sized pieces in the bag. But the quality control seems to have improved over the years.

I’d rate my personal experience 5 out of 5 stars. For the bargain price, you can’t beat Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken! It’s now a freezer staple snack in my household.

Is Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken suitable for parties or appetizers?

Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken makes a fantastic party food or appetizer! A few reasons it works well:

• It can be cooked from frozen quickly and feeds a large crowd.
• The pieces are perfectly poppable finger food size.
• Everyone loves the crunchy, juicy flavor. It satisfies all taste buds.
• It travels well and can be served hot or at room temperature.
• It’s budget friendly to provide for a group without breaking the bank.

Serve Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken at game day get-togethers, birthday parties, movie nights, potlucks, office parties, and more! It’s sure to be gobbled up.

Can I freeze Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken after opening?

Since Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken is already frozen when purchased, it freezes very well for longer term storage after opening the bag.

To freeze after opening – reseal remaining chicken pieces in an airtight freezer bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible.

Then pop it back in the freezer where it will keep for 2-3 months.

Thaw again as needed and reheat to crispy deliciousness! Freezing maintains the texture and flavor.

Is Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken halal or kosher certified?

No, Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken is not halal or kosher certified at this time. It is produced at a general manufacturing facility.

For consumers requiring halal or kosher friendly products, there are some alternative frozen popcorn chicken options available that meet these dietary standards. But Wellsley Farms would not be considered compliant.

Well there you have it, everything you need to know before purchasing Wellsley Farms Popcorn Chicken! In summary, for the bargain price of around $5 per bag at Aldi, this frozen popcorn chicken is crunchy, juicy, and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare by oven, air fryer or microwave. Kids and adults alike will love this protein packed nibble. Keep a bag handy for quick snacks or appetizers. I know I’ll continue stocking up on this budget-friendly freezer staple.